arrangement we land him finally.'

'It may be so.' Sagan tugged broodingly at his beard, after a pause
adding, 'Well, well, the girl is safe enough for me, if you can answer
for her. Come back and sit down. We must act while Gustave is here. Once
we secure the Guard, we can force him to do--as we please. First a
compromise, then abdication, then--' he brought his hand down heavily
upon the table and sat staring before him at a vision of a dream
fulfilled--a vision of Duke Simon of Maasau.

Elmur's lip curled as he watched the man, who, for the time being, was
oblivious of all but the realisation of his own ambition. Duke Simon! a
name, but never a living power--only a German puppet, pulled hither and
thither at will by the controlling hand.

'What are your plans, my lord?' he asked aloud.

The Count started, and raised his head.

'We have three of the Guard here--Unziar, Rallywood, Colendorp. You know
that as soon as we have made sure of their officers the men will follow
of themselves. Now Unziar is no saint.'

'But he fights the better because he is a sinner.'

'He is not to be tempted, then. But he is in love with Mdlle.
Selpdorf--with your future wife, and she must blind him. A man in love
is easily blinded.'

'And Rallywood?' asked Elmur.

'We don't--want Rallywood,' rejoined Sagan, with an odd glance at Elmur.
'I can manage him, if you will leave him to me.'

Elmur smiled.

'I conclude Rallywood is capable of taking care of himself.'

The Count grinned.

'Exactly what I believed you would think. There remains only Colendorp.
But Colendorp is the man we must have--all will depend on Colendorp.'

'Do you suppose he will bend?'

'If not he must break! But, no; I know him well! I have chosen him
because he touches no woman! Men who don't love women, love money, and
men who do----'

'Love both,' said Elmur quietly.

'To-morrow night Colendorp shall be here with me. You also will be
present. Colendorp is a poor man--as men go in the Guard--and we must
approach him softly and by degrees,' said Sagan.

Elmur concealed a smile. A course of softness and caution seemed
impossible in connection with the headstrong old man who counselled it.

Sagan, left alone, stood engrossed in thought. The wild beast instinct
in him gave him intuition of danger. Elmur was playing Germany's game,
but since his aim was the Count's own, it was impossible at this stage
to disentangle the precise cause of suspicion.